- Vary by each administrative unit they are generated for
- Reflect the purpose of monitoring
’… the coefficient applied to each taxon represents a rank based on observed behavior and patterns of occurrence in Illinois plant communities and our confidence that a taxon is remnant (natural area) dependent.
Species given a C value of 0-1 are taxa adapted to severe disturbances, particularly anthropogenic disturbances…
Species with a C value of 2-3 are associated with somewhat more stable, though degraded, environments.
Species with coefficients 4-6 include many dominant or matrix species for several habitats; they have a high consistency of occurrence within given community types.
Species with C values 7-8 are taxa we associate mostly with natural areas, but that can be found persisting where the habitat has been degraded somewhat.
Species with coefficients 9-10 are considered to be restricted to high-quality natural areas.’